I will never forget the thrill of my first booked year. Finally, after lots of trial and error I managed to book up my fall months. It was amazing! I was finally making a good income with this photography gig and was really finding my way in business. 

Then January came and cue the crickets. My inbox was empty and so was my bank account. But what’s worse is my motivation was also in the tank. 

It is hard to stay motivated when you are judging success on inquiries. I get it. I have been there. Self doubt creeps in and you think “maybe this isn’t for me?”

But it’s not true, friend. This is for you! Here are a few things you can do right now to get your motivation back and start planning to make this year awesome! 

1. Start shooting for yourself again. I know my personal work goes by the waist side when my business is busy. I take the winter months to take a class, think about my art and really start picking up the camera for my own personal use again. 

2. Ramp up your in-home photography sessions. I will reach out to past clients and say that I am taking in home sessions for the months of January- March. This gets them thinking about me and excited about a new photo shoot option. (Photo above was an in home session.) 

3. Get business savvy. Guess what, friend? Having a photography business that thrives is about 20% art, 80% business. I now don’t have a slow season. Sure, fall is far busier, however I have steady bookings all year long. Because I have learned how to be a good business woman. So dive in to business podcasts, education, and content. You have the art thing down, now it’s time to get the business thing down. What better time to learn about business than when business is slow?

4. Diversify your business offerings. Ever thought about trying something new, like fine art school photography? It’s a great way to bring in income during slow seasons! And it’s an easy way to get your work in front of more families.

So, use this time wisely. Busy season will come again and you will be so much better prepared if you use this time well to educate yourself and to grow. You got this! 

xo,

Elena

P.S. Are you interested in seeing if fine art school photography is right for you and your business? Download this free quick start guide to learn all about it!